Howdy Stampede Fans,

With only 10 more sleeps until the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” Kerri, Nikkole, Kateri and I have been busy shaping hats, ironing pants, freshening up on our media training, riding Ned, Hawk and Bud, polishing crowns and trying get as much beauty sleep as we can.  We spent the Saturday morning in my hometown of Okotoks for their annual parade this year themed; Many Communities, One Neighbourhood, Celebrater Your Heritage.  We then jetted off to High River for the Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon racing.  We then spent fathers day in Sundre where we helped them celebrate their 30th anniversary of Go Wild! Go West! Pro Rodeo and then made it back to our own homes to toast our dads.

Catch us this week doing the funnest part of our job representing the Calgary Stampede on GLobal, Sun, CBC, XL 103, AM1060, Vibe, Country 105, City TV (breakfast show), Rolco 97.7, Shine FM, and 92.9 Jerry Forbes.

Keeping you up to date!!  Until next time!!

Tara

Howdy Calgary Stampede Fans,

The end of May saw Kerri, Kateri and I to our first FCA rodeo in Millarville for a chance to lead grande entry, chase out the calves and steers, play with local kids at the Miracle Rodeo, meet celebrities like Tara Slade; Miss Rodeo Canada Princess, Terry Grant from the hit TV series Mantracker, and visit with our old friends from CBC’s Heartland cast.

In June we attended “Pops in the Park” at Heritage Park where we were serenaded by Calgary’s Philharmonic Orchestra and rode in on a wagon pulled by a beautiful Heavy Horse team from the Calgary Stampede.  I can’t wait to see them performing in the Big Top during Stampede!!  We also had the opportunity to serve coffee at the Tim Hortons drive thru for their annual Camp day fundraiser, share some pancakes with Calgary city schools, and wine and dine city officials for all their hard work making the Calgary Stampede what it is.  At the presidents rodeo we debued our new suede outfits from Adobe Collection.  Every princess should have a gown like this!!  Can’t wait to showcase it some more at the Grand Stand show with the Young Canadians every night!!  We rode our horses Ned, Bud and Hank at our first parade in Black Diamond were we experienced all 4 seasons; sun, snow, hail and rain, but Albertans are a hardy bunch and everyone turned out to watch us, John Scott and Laureen Harper (Prime Minister’s wife).   It was great practice for the Calgary Stampede’s parade on July 3 where we will gladly be following this year’s parade marshal Mike Holmes!!  I also spent my 24 birthday handing out over 10 000 cowboy hats downtown and I do believe that was the loudest Happy Birthday song I’ve had my entire life.  Thank you and bring those singing voices out to the rodeo– but turn it into a YAAAAHHHHHHOOOOOOO!!!

With only 13 sleeps until the Greatest Outdoor show on Earth I leave you with a little cowboy wisdom; Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction.
Tara

Posted by Sarah

There were hundreds of people, literally lined up around the block, ready to get their head in a free cowboy hat on Stephen Avenue at lunchtime today. Around 15,000 hats will be distributed at this event in an effort to dress western for Stampede. Yee-Haw!!

Check out more photos of the event on the Calgary Stampede Flickr page.

By: Sarah

There’s a new group of people who are stepping up to report on everything you need to know about the Calgary Stampede.

The Next Generation Committee (NGC) is a group of 20 – 30 year olds who aim to raise awareness about the Calgary Stampede. All of the committee members are part of the NGC because we believe that the Stampede is a great event and we want to help promote it to new and returning audiences.

You can learn more about what’s happening at Stampede by checking out this blog site and seeing photos, videos and blog posts about events and activities that are happening on the Stampede grounds and around the city.

We’ll post updates daily so be sure to check back to see what’s hot and happening leading up to and during the Calgary Stampede. We’ll highlight several aspects including agriculture events, the parade, the midway on park and even the nightlife.

Sit back and enjoy the ride! You can let us know what you think by commenting below each post.

Giddy Up!
Next Generation Committee

Come to where hides are raw, hearts untamed, and the worlds toughest stock walks on two feet.
Come to Rodeos richest, roughest ride – The Calgary Stampede!

The excitement builds as cowboy hats return to the streets of Calgary… Why? because they know what’s happening in 15 days, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth returns for another Wild West Ride that only Calgary knows how to perfect. This year however, is going to be greater than ever.

Ever had deep fried Jelly Beans? Or stepped into a “Rocktagon” - 360 degrees of Rockin’ Experience! With over 100 new exhibits and attractions, even the “Seasoned Stampeder” is sure to find as much excitement as the first time.

Parade day, July 3rd will be proudly led by a Canadian hero, Mike Holmes. He is known for his contribution in helping build houses and spirits, and for his well-known television show “Holmes on Homes”. This kind attitude and strong hand inspire many to lead; much like the Calgary Stampede; in creating a stronger community with hard work and dignity. Well done, Mr. Holmes, it is an honour to have you lead us into the 2009 Calgary Stampede!!

Happy Trails!
Kateri

Tomorrow is Get Your Head In A Hat day – and while many people think it is just about getting a free cowboy hat it is so much more.

The initial impetus to start the program was a Calgary businessman’s concern that, with the growth of the city and influx of people from other geographic areas and cultures, the “Dress Western” traditions of Stampede were getting lost. As the Cowboy hat is an iconic “western heritage symbol” for our great city, it was determined that this would be the focus of the “revival” and this gentleman’s financial contribution would be the kick start for the program.

Since 2005 60,000 cowboy hats have been put on the heads of Calgarians. By the afternoon of June 18^th, it will be over 75,000!

Get Your Head In A Hat is a challenge to the entire City of Calgary to uphold the Western Values and traditions we are known for globally, which includes the wearing of a cowboy hat for at least the ten days of Stampede.

Just because we give away a bunch of hats doesn’t mean people will actually wear them (or any other cowboy hat) during Stampede, so the Get Your Head In A Hat event is actually a “rewards program” for those that do. Officially kicking off at the Stampede Parade (July 3^rd) and through the end of Stampede (July 12^th), hundreds of Get Your Head In A Hat/Stampede Volunteers will reward a total of 100,000 donated prizes to everyone they “spot” wearing a cowboy hat.  Downtown, in shopping centres, at breakfasts and corporate parties, on Stampede Park, in bars, and pretty much anywhere people gather there will be spotters sometime during Stampede.  This means that almost 10% of the city’s population could receive a prize, just for wearing a cowboy hat!

A variety of prizes donated from a number of local area companies are available to be won including merchandise and mall gift certificates, restaurant gift certificates, concert tickets, corporate parties, Stampede Rodeo tickets and two Grand Prizes of “Trips for Two Anywhere WestJet Flies” – over $3.2 Million in prizes will be given away during Stampede 2009.

All you need to do to win is get spotted wearing a cowboy hat!

In a fun and eventful media launch this afternoon where guests were treated to performances by The Groovaloos, The Trews, Suzie McNeil and Deric Ruttan it was announced that Canada’s most trusted contractor Mike Holmes is this year’s Parade Marshal.

Famous for his trademarked catchphrase, “Make it Right”, Mike Holmes is best known for the television show Holmes on Homes™ which is now aired around the world.  He is also a spokesman for WorldSkills Competition to be held on Stampede Park in September.

“I’ve lived my life by the same values that the Calgary Stampede represents: Make a difference. Live with integrity. Make it right,” says Holmes. “I truly believe in building a lasting future and restoring the dreams of the past, something the Stampede has been representing for almost a century.”

Eight young Albertans, all members of Team Canada competing at WorldSkills, were also introduced as Honorary Parade Marshals: Daniel Reid (Cochrane), Devon DeBoer (Calgary), Craig Spady (Red Deer), Steven Dingwall (Calgary), Tiffany Vandermey (Calgary), Daniel Green (Drumheller), Matthew Chadder (Millarville) and Brad Chyz (Calgary).

Check out Mike’s website: Make it Right.ca or follow Mike Holmes on Twitter.

Ya Hoo!  Stampede is fast approaching and the Princesses and I can hardly wait.  We attended the Miracle rodeo in Millarville on May 29th, this was for children with special needs – it was great to see all the kids having so much fun.   The Millarville Rodeo was on the May 30^th weekend.  We rode in the grand entry – it was awesome to see all my neighbors and friends in the crowd.  The weather was spectacular and the turnout was great.  We rode in the Black Diamond Parade last Saturday and even though the weather was less than cooperative there was still great attendance and an abundance of enthusiasm.  This Friday we will be attending another delicious pancake breakfast, just one of many yet to come! 

June 19^th is my last day of school – year two completed of my nursing program.  That calls for a YaHoo as well!  

I hope you are all getting your boots dusted off and your hats blocked for the Parade on July 3, the kick off to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! 

The countdown is on, only 22 days to go!

 Kerri Williamson

We don’t have anything up on the Calgary Stampede Flickr account yet but we are gearing up for a fun Stampede this year with lots of photos to share.

One of the fun things we have done is create a Vintage Calgary Stampede Flickr group and slowly people are including their photos. As someone who grew up in Calgary I know my parents have some old Stampede photos lying around somewhere – the trick is to find them and scan them. Maybe you have some old photos you would like to share? Even if you don’t check out the group and get inspired.

Extra special thanks to Sherlock77 who scanned these 1962 parade photos (and to his Dad who took them). Did you know the Stampede Directors used to ride a stage coach? How awesome is that!

There is also a well-established Calgary Stampede group on Flickr that is worth checking out too.

So if you are on Flickr come and join us.

Some of these you will already know about but I bet there are some surprises too.

• Disney’s High School Musical: Summer Celebration. Coca-Cola Stage. Two shows on Kid’s Day, July 8 – noon and 3:30 p.m.
• The Rocktagon. Daily in The Bell Getaway.
  
• Western Oasis Wine Garden. Daily in the Western Oasis.
• The World Stock Dog Championship. Pengrowth Saddledome July 5 and 6.
• Les McIntyre – the new voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby. Chuckwagons daily in the Grandstand at 8 p.m.
• DundeeWealth Heavy Horse Show – the six horse hitch performs with members of the CPO. Pengrowth Saddledome July 5 at 1 p.m.
• Flying Fools High Dive Show. Daily in the Midway Circus.
• Wheat Grass Juice, Deep Fried Jelly Beans and Tornado Potatoes. Daily on the Midway. (This so deserves its own post.)
  
• Sandi Richard – host of Fixing Dinner. July 4, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Indian Bannock, Tipi Raising and Handgames. Daily at Indian Village.

Does The Rocktagon sounds like a heavy metal secret the U.S. Government is keeping? Maybe it’s just me.

What goes together better than mini donuts and powdered sugar? Rodeo and race cars!

Photo from the Vintage Calgary Stampede photo pool on Flickr, submitted by anyjazz6.

Okay, maybe not those race cars. Watch this:

Attention all thrill seekers – Its time to experience a pure rush of adrenaline. Climb on to 2000 lbs of solid muscle and race 370 km/h through twists and turns, holding on for 8 seconds and 95 laps! The Calgary Stampede and Rexall Edmonton Indy Adrenaline Tour 09 packages are your direct line to all the stomping, snorting, screeching, backfiring and cheering you can handle. Tour packages are limited, so get yours now and be hooked up.

Check out StampedeIndy.com for details on the full Adrenaline Tour 09 package. If your dad is anything like my Indy-loving dad this really is the perfect Father’s Day gift. (Sorry Dad, I’m not giving anything away here – you’re out of town during both events. Guess you’ll you just have to settle for another pair of slippers.)

Listen to this: calgary-stampede-nashville-north-star

Could that be you? The Calgary Stampede and Country 105 are looking for the first ever Nashville North Star!

To enter submit a YouTube video of you singing your favourite country song. Ten videos will be chosen and those rising stars will be invited down to Nashville North on Saturday, July 4th at 3:00pm to sing one song. The judges will then select their top 6 who get another chance to perform 2 songs on Thursday, July 9th from 6:30-8:00pm where they will crown the 2009 Nashville North Star!

The winner will receive $1,000 cash, along with 2x Platinum Rodeo Tickets for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo Finals, and a $200 gift certificate to Lammles!

Check out the Country 105 site for more information and to submit your video.

So far no entries have been submitted and I can’t wait to see who is going to be the first!

And in case you haven’t checked out the line-up of current stars on the Nashville North stage you can do that here.

Everyone loves contests!

First of all did you know that GMC wants to Saddle You Up a Sierra? It’s true! Click the link, fill out the survey and you’ll be entered to win a VIP trip to this year’s Stampede and have a 1 in 4 chance of taking home a brand new 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid! Deadline to enter is July 10th at 10 p.m. MST.

Secondly the Calgary Stampede wants to help you celebrate Stampede In Your Own Backyard. You could win:

• Four infield seats to the Rodeo on Friday, July 3rd to experience the adrenaline of rodeo’s richest, roughest ride up close and personal. Includes four Rodeo Souvenir Programs.
• Four Lazy S seats for the Evening Show on Saturday, July 4th where you’ll feel the thunder of the chuckwagons at the GMC Rangeland Derby and be dazzled like never before with the all-new Grandstand Show. Includes four Evening Show Souvenir Programs.
• Eight “pay one price” unlimited Midway ride passes to make you dizzy.
• $800 in gift certificates at The Calgary Stampede Store to ensure you’re dressed the best in the West.
• Four “Buck the Line” passes to Nashville North on Friday, July 3rd prior to 9:00PM, allowing you to hit the dance floor faster.
• $400 in food certificates at The Range on Stampede Park, ensuring you’re well fueled for the fun.

All that and so much more (check out the site – if I posted it all you would be scrolling forever). Deadline is June 22nd at midnight MST.

Many of our Ticket Packages also have prizes attached to them. Purchasing the Complete Getaway package enters you to win four reserved seats for the Coca Cola Stage, four boxed seats for the Rodeo, four unlimited ride passes and a whole lot more including certificates for ten large bags of mini donuts (whoever thought of that is genius but it would be wise to share those if you know what I mean).

Or, purchase our Ladies Getaway package and be automatically entered to win four front row tickets to see Kenny Chesney among a host of other prizes like chauffeured transportation in a Stampede car and manicures & pedicures for four from the Hyatt Stillwater Spa.

So check out all the Getaway Deals – you have until June 28th to get in on them.

Check out the Contest page for more details and some family-related contest that I will be talking about soon.

~Melanie

p.s. Thirty-two days until Parade Day – do you know where your boots are?

Howdy!

I thought before I begin blogging about the Stampede in earnest I should introduce myself. My name is Melanie and I’m the Stampede Blogger for this year (I’m also the person updating the Twitter account which you should check out if you haven’t already). My parents moved to Calgary when I was a baby so I consider myself a local. I’m also one of the many locals who worked at the Stampede during high school – I think that is a rite of passage in this city as I’ve met few locals who didn’t work here at some point in their lives. Now I’m a writer, editor and your source for information about this year’s event. Feel free to leave comments to say Hi or to ask questions and if I don’t know the answer I will find out for you.

~Melanie

p.s. Thirty-three days until Parade Day!